Health officials in West Virginia are advising the public to take precautions against mosquito bites while conducting flood clean up.

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“Flooding leads to increased mosquito activity which can elevate the risk of mosquito bites and the potential for mosquito-borne diseases,” said Dr. Rahul Gupta, State Health Officer and Commissioner for the Bureau for Public Health. “Standing or pooling water from recent heavy rainfall and flooding across the state have created conditions for mosquito breeding. It is important to be proactive in protecting yourself as flood clean up is underway.”

The following actions should be considered to reduce the risk of mosquitos and mosquito bites in areas where flood clean up is occurring:

• Remove flood-water debris on and around your property.
• Empty or drain potted plant bases, tires, buckets or containers, and roof gutters.
• Drain any pooled rainwater or floodwater that may have collected in containers around your property.
• Be sure to wear insect repellent.
• Wear long sleeves and pants while conducting flood clean up.
• Dispose of potential mosquito breeding sites by emptying stagnant pools of water around your house and yard, if possible.

Mosquito-borne illness could include Lacrosse Encephalitis and West Nile Virus.